ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Assistive Technology (AT) provides various levels of support for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The federal definition of AT refers to any piece of equipment, product, or system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals/children with disabilities. For learners with ASD, AT can provide supports to maximize participation in the areas of communication, daily activities, and motor tasks as well as provide sensory input. In general AT can:
- Help children play and participate in daily activities
- Provide opportunities for independent participation
- Begin to develop technology skills for later use
- Provide interactive opportunities
- Promote active engagement
Sensory Supports
For learners with ASD who are undersensitive to stimuli may benefit from sensory inputs that promote visuospatial awareness and sensoriperceptual abilities. AT in this area may include: weighed vests and toys with vibration, lights, and sounds.
Communication Supports
ASD is a disorder of communication rather than strictly language. Research identifies characteristics that include impaired social functioning, communication, and delay or difference in early engagement during social routines during play. Children with ASD and limited verbal skills can benefit from the use of augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) strategies to provide strategies to enhance communication abilities. AAC is viewed as a way to compensate for the impairment and disability patterns of individuals with severe expressive communication disorders. AAC along with other communication strategies, to include speech and gestures can be available as part of a multimodal approach to communication. AT supports available include:
- The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Visual schedules/visual routines; visual engineering the environment
- Low technology communication boards/cards
- Speech generating devices
Courtesy of: Kate Franklin, PhD, CCC-SLP and Beth HeydAgency: WIHDWebsite: www.wihd.orgEmail: kathleen_franklin@nymc.eduPhone: 914-594-4852
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